This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with flavor and fun! Juicy chicken, sweet corn, and fluffy rice come together in a bowl that’s both filling and tasty.
You can dress it up with your favorite toppings, like cheese or avocado. Honestly, I love making this when I’m craving comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect here. If you’re looking for something different, try brown rice or quinoa for a nutty flavor and extra nutrition!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best, but you can swap it out for tofu or beans if you want a vegetarian dish. Pulled rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saver.
Street-style corn: Canned street-style corn adds a special flavor, but fresh or frozen corn works too! Just sauté it with some chili powder and lime juice to achieve a similar taste.
Mayo/Crema: If you’re avoiding mayonnaise, try Greek yogurt for creaminess. It gives a nice tang that complements the dish well.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky! The goal is to have it nice and browned on the outside and juicy inside. Here’s how:
- Make sure to cube the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Heat your skillet nicely before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the meat.
- Cook on medium-high heat and avoid crowding the pan; chicken should sizzle when it hits the skillet.
- Cook until no longer pink inside (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Letting the chicken rest for a minute before serving keeps it juicy!
Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Corn:
- 1 can (15 oz) street-style corn (or
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Extra cotija cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Hot sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl takes about 25 minutes total to prepare. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes cooking the chicken and corn, and about 10 minutes making your tasty sauce and assembling the bowl. Perfect for a quick and yummy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Rice:
First, cook the rice according to the package instructions, using water or chicken broth for added flavor. Once it’s cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a larger bowl, toss the chicken pieces with half of the olive oil and the spice mix until every piece is coated nicely.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned. Remove from heat.
4. Preparing the Corn:
If you have canned street-style corn, simply drain it and set it aside. For fresh or frozen corn, heat another skillet over medium heat, add the corn kernels along with the chili powder and a pinch of salt, cooking for about 5 minutes until it’s lightly charred. Once done, stir in lime juice and cotija cheese.
5. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or crema), minced garlic, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Mix it all together until smooth.
6. Assembling the Bowls:
To serve, divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top it off with the cooked chicken and the street corn. Then, generously drizzle the creamy lime sauce over everything.
7. Adding Toppings:
Feel free to get creative with optional toppings. Add sliced avocado, extra cotija cheese, green onions, diced tomatoes, or a splash of hot sauce for some added zing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your delicious, flavor-packed Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl! Each bite is sure to delight!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a fantastic substitute and adds more fiber. Just be aware that it may require additional cooking time (about 45 minutes) and more water (3 cups) for fluffy results.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. You can also use a spicy mayo instead of regular mayo for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the chicken, rice, and sauce a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice, then assemble the bowl with fresh corn and toppings.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
